Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom i dtús báire mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le Tom McGrath as ucht an tseirbhís atá tugtha aige don Dáil agus don Oireachtas i rith na blianta. Ba mhaith liom freisin comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis as ucht an méid atá bainte amach aige sa Teach seo. Táimid go léir buíoch de. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal leis sna blianta atá roimhe lasmuigh de Teach Laighean amach anseo. I am delighted to join the Taoiseach and everybody in the House in wishing Tom a very long, happy and enjoyable retirement. I was struck by the Ceann Comhairle's introduction. 1977 was a momentous year in terms of political events. I can accept no culpability for it as I was a 17-year-old second level student who none the less enjoyed reading about the extraordinary victories a certain party had on that occasion. Tom came in on a momentous occasion. I acknowledge that I have also experienced momentous elections from that time to the present day. All Members of the House have been struck by the professionalism, warmth, commitment and pride that the ushers and all who work here take in the Oireachtas and in what it represents. Tom was the personification of this in the conduct of his duty.

As a Corkman I always like an opportunity to pay tribute to Tipperary people. I have no doubt we will meet Tom more often, perhaps on occasions when spring breaks and the Munster championship begins afresh and anew. Be under no illusions - our dander is up, notwithstanding what happened this year, and we will head to Thurles next year with some degree of confidence. Tom has always been very courteous and professional with the public and Members of the House. He is particularly synonymous with the very good and informative tours of Leinster House, and many delegations who came here spoke of his knowledge about the detail of its history and all that went with it. His knowledge is par excellence, as is his enthusiasm about the history of Leinster House what it represents for the country.

I am very conscious that memoirs are the order of the day as we head into Christmas, and Eamon Dunphy and Sean Óg Ó hAilpín are launching their blockbusters. Given his experience and knowledge - I know the Captain might look askance at the suggestion - it seems to me the period from 1977 to 2013 would be one hell of a memoir from the perspective of a head usher or usher, in terms of excitement, interest and no little gossip about what transpired over the years. Suffice it to say Tom has done his country some service. We wish him a healthy and enjoyable retirement and, may I say, a politics-free environment in the years to come.

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